Old Goa to Dudhsagar and the Mollem forests
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Ways to make the journey
1 h 15 min
From Old Goa, the road crosses the Banastarim bridge and climbs to Ponda, then runs east past areca and spice plantations to Mollem on the edge of the forest. Collem, the jeep base for Dudhsagar, is about 7 km south of Mollem. The road is good but carries heavy trucks, so we drive early.
Varies
Trains on the Vasco–Londa line pass Kulem (Collem) station and cross the viaduct at Dudhsagar. They give a view of the falls but are not a practical way to visit the foot of the falls. Services change, so check current status before you travel.
45 min each way
From Collem, forest department-approved jeeps cover the 11 km track to Dudhsagar from about October to May. Tickets are issued at the counter, with daily limits. We send a team ahead to queue for you.
Worth a stop
- Mangueshi and Shantadurga temples near Ponda
- A spice plantation for lunch
- Tambdi Surla temple, 13 km from Mollem
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Dudhsagar from Old Goa?
Mollem is about 48 km from Old Goa, roughly 1 h 15 min by car via Ponda. Collem, where the jeeps leave for the falls, is a further 15 minutes. Then the jeep ride takes about 45 minutes each way.
Can I combine Old Goa and Dudhsagar in one day?
It is possible but rushed. We prefer Old Goa one day and Dudhsagar, a spice farm and Tambdi Surla on another. If time is short, see Old Goa at 9 am and continue to a spice farm and Tambdi Surla, skipping the jeep ride.
Which spice farm is best on the way to Dudhsagar?
Several family-run plantations around Ponda welcome visitors for a walk and a banana-leaf lunch. We use quieter farms rather than the busiest coach stops and choose by season and group size.
Is the road to Mollem safe?
Yes, the NH748 is a good highway, though it carries heavy trucks to and from Karnataka. With a professional driver and an early start, it is a straightforward drive. Avoid driving back after dark when possible.